Producing Health Policy: Knowledge and Knowing in Government Policy Work (Palgrave Studies in Science, Knowledge and Policy)

 

Producing Health Policy: Knowledge and Knowing in Government Policy Work (Palgrave Studies in Science, Knowledge and Policy)

"Producing Health Policy: Knowledge and Knowing in Government Policy Work" by Jo Maybin, part of the Palgrave Studies in Science, Knowledge and Policy series, delves into the intricate ways knowledge is used by civil servants in the development of health policy within the English Department of Health.¹

Drawing on ethnographic research combined with insights from various disciplines like psychology, socio-linguistics, sociology, and philosophy, Maybin reveals the diverse "knowledge practices" employed daily.² These range from sharing personal stories and collaborative brainstorming to conducting formal analyses and commissioning research.

The book analyzes the functions of these practices, highlighting how they contribute to individual understanding, simplify complex issues, and ultimately facilitate policy implementation. Maybin proposes an original theory that views policymaking as a process of forging connections between a developing policy and influential ideas, individuals, and tools.³ Ultimately, the book sheds light on the essential "policy know-how" that enables civil servants to be effective in their roles.

Key aspects highlighted in the book and in reviews include:

• Diverse Knowledge Sources: The book emphasizes that policymaking relies on more than just formal research and analysis.⁴ Personal experiences, anecdotes, and practical "know-how" are crucial.
• Knowledge in Action: It moves beyond theoretical discussions of epistemology to examine how knowledge is actively used and negotiated in the daily work of policymakers.⁵
• Policy as Connection-Building: Maybin's central theory suggests that effective policymaking involves linking the policy to influential concepts, people, and instruments.⁶
• Importance of Tacit Knowledge: The book underscores the significance of practical, situated, interactive, and embodied knowledge that emerges from organizational practices.
• Critique of Simplistic Assumptions: It challenges conventional views that overemphasize the role of purely formal knowledge in policy work.
• Valuable Insights for Practitioners and Scholars: Reviews suggest the book offers important insights for public administrators, policy analysts, and organization scholars seeking to understand the realities of policymaking within government.⁷

A review in Critical Policy Studies notes the book's coherent synthesis of theories about knowledge-in-use from various fields, making it an excellent starting point for further research.⁸ Another review highlights the book's ability to reveal the behind-the-scenes activities in a government ministry, emphasizing the importance of personal encounters and the "know-how" needed to make policies happen.